Sherman’s Right Wing

On the night of Nov. 19, 1864, Kilpatrick’s cavalry division of the U.S., covering the advance of the Right Wing of General Sherman’s army on its destructive March to the Sea, camped at Clinton. At noon on the 20th, as the infantry began to arrive, Kilpatrick moved toward Macon, drove elements of Wheeler’s cavalry of the C.S. across Walnut Creek, and attacked the defenses of East Macon. Although the infantry had marched from Atlanta almost unopposed, Kilpatrick had skirmished steadily with Wheeler, who now contested his advance on Macon. Repulsed at East Macon by Wheeler and by units of Georgia Militia that garrisoned the works, Kilpatrick fell back toward Clinton and camped south and west of the main body. That night, headquarters of the Right Wing and headquarters of the 15th Corps were established in Clinton, while headquarters of the 17th Corps were near Blountsville. On the 21st, Woods’ and Hazen’s divisions of the 15th Corps moved south on the old Irwinton road, and Smith’s moved southeast toward Gordon. Because parties of Wheeler’s command, avoiding Kilpatrick, were harassing the Union right, inflicting casualties, and taking prisoners, Jones’ brigade of Hazen’s division remained there to protect the flank until relieved by Corse’s division, which was heavily encumbered with wagon trains, a cattle herd, and pontoons and did not reach Clinton until late the next day.

Georgia · United States